“Hello from Singapore” returns with Season 2 and 10 new Personalities to welcome Malaysians back to Singapore

New 10-episode docuseries on the new, unknown and reimagined in wellness, arts and culture, retail, culinary and more.

Kuala Lumpur, 21st January 2022 - Singapore Tourism Board (STB) Malaysia announces the return of "Hello from Singapore" Season 2 this January 2022 to inspire travel to Singapore. The second season will continue to tell the story about the spirit of reimagination through the lens of ten (10) new Singapore industry personalities - from wellness, art and culture, retail and food and beverages. Spanning over ten (10) episodes, the docuseries will also spotlight the new, unexpected, unknown and transformed experiences visitors can enjoy in Singapore.

"Singapore has safely moved forward to welcome the safe return of travellers under the Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTL), including travellers from Malaysia. We hope the second installment of Hello from Singapore will give our Malaysian visitors a sense of assurance, inspiration and desire to come to reimagine their travel in Singapore. Anytime you are ready to visit and explore, Singapore welcomes you with open arms," said Dawn Ng, Area Director, Malaysia and Brunei, Singapore Tourism Board.

Premiered on 21 January 2022, viewers can look forward to exciting personalities and explore the latest in art and culture with Trase One, a highly respected graffiti artist and one of the early pioneers of the local street art scene; Alan Oei, director and curator of OH! Open House, a licensed tour operator and independent arts organisation that tells alternative stories of Singapore through art and Andrea Lim, owner of Splat Paint House, the first of its kind splatter paint studio that encourages everyone to let loose with paint to their hearts' desire.

From the urban wellness category, we will see Lily Kew, founder of Kew Organics, share about Singapore's leading organic facial bar that is dedicated to transforming skin through a marriage of nature and Medi-aesthetics technology and Summer Song, creator and organizer of Re:Qi Wellness Retreat, who curates thematic wellness experiences and retreats, championing ancient healing technology from traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda.

In addition, Ziana Yacob, a horticulturist of Gardens by the Bay, one of Singapore's iconic landmarks, will share the latest technology used to monitor, care and maintain the plants wellbeing throughout the pandemic closely and Pirakash T, Head of APAC, Museum of Ice Cream, a highly-anticipated ice-cream themed wonderland in Singapore.

Over in retail, the series spotlights Oniatta Effendi, founder of Baju by Oniatta, a clothing line dedicated to reimagining the region's Batik fashion for the modern wardrobe. You will also hear from Julynn Tay, General Manager at Design Orchard, TaFF, an integrated retail and incubation space that puts Singapore's designers and their creative pieces in the limelight. And finally, viewers can also keep a lookout for Ivy Singh-Lim, co-owner of Bollywood Farms, the force of nature who started the farm as a way to give back to the community, and a place that now provides farm tours and culinary classes inspired by the farm-to-table concept.

Catch the first episode of Hello from Singapore Season 2 today through VisitSingapore Malaysia's Facebook Page. The remaining episodes will be released every Friday.

Hello from Singapore is part of the Singapore Tourism Board's ongoing effort to spark conversations, stories and ideas to reimagine the future of travel through the SingapoReimagine campaign. Season 1 of the docuseries premiered in April 2021 also consisted of ten (10) episodes that tell the stories of ten (10) Singaporeans from various industries. It featured personalities like Mastura Didih of Hjh Maimunah, Tan Li Ling, owner of wheniwasfour, a local design studio that crafts lifestyle products with a Singaporean touch and David Wee of Wee’s Collection, a Singapore heritage keeper presenting his nostalgia-provoking gallery to the public.

Episode 1: Trase One

Featuring Trase One, Mural Artist

HELLO FROM SINGAPORE SEASON 2 EPISODE GUIDE

Sufian Hamri began his artistic career in 1999, making his mark in the streets of Singapore under the moniker “TraseOne”. From learning to draw via tracing paper (that’s how he got his name!) to becoming one of Singapore’s pioneering street artists, Trase One’s artwork can be found on walls and exhibitions (and even some office spaces) around the city.

Trase played an influential role in grooming the local street art scene through various workshops and exhibitions like the Singapore Street Festival (SSF), in which he has been art directing since 2002. In 2005, his efforts were recognised on a national level with the granting of various awards like the prestigious Goh Chok Tong Youth Promise award, SSF Star Youth Leader Award, and LASALLE Degree Scholarship, allowing him to further his interests and hone his craft in art school, eventually graduating with a BA (Hons) in Fine Arts in 2007 from LASALLE College of the Arts.

Trase is interested in social/cultural behaviour and current affairs and often engages the viewer to identify underlying issues hidden beneath his subversively playful and conceptually witty intervention works. His paintings are not merely visuals on a surface; they interact with the canvas or its space to create a more intimate relationship between subject and surface.

In this episode, Trase will share his work in the thriving Singaporean street art scene and what excellent new pieces travellers should keep an eye out for. The Singapore street art scene has grown magnificently over the years, and Trase One of the art collective RSCLS has seen and contributed to a good chunk of it. It is a dose of colour and personality injected onto the otherwise plain walls and canvases, so make sure you go check them out when you get off that Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) flight!

Episode 2: OH! Open House

Featuring Alan Oei, Director and Curator of OH! Open House

OH! Open House is a licensed tour operator and independent arts organisation that tells alternative stories of Singapore through art. Since 2009, they have provided more than 20,000 people with the unique experience of appreciating art and heritage outside museums and galleries – from strangers’ homes to underutilised public spaces. They work with artists to present art in unconventional locations or surprising new ways. Through their diverse programmes, OH! creates opportunities to understand and connect with everyday life on a more meaningful level.

Alan Oei is an artist-curator whose work and projects examine the intersection of art history and politics. He has a BA in Art History from Columbia University and a Diploma in Fine Arts from LASALLE College of the Arts. He was formerly the artistic director of The Substation from 2016 to 2019 and Sculpture Square from September 2012 to October 2014. He was Associate Artist with The Substation from 2000 to 2005 and has exhibited in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Melbourne and New York.

In this episode, you’ll also get a little preview of the immersive theatrical experience of New World’s End, the art organisation’s first-ever permanent exhibition that launched in June 2021. Watch the story of two lovers unfold while you wander around the different locations of the story’s setting. First, explore the fictional tale set in the now-defunct New World Amusement Park in an audio-led multi-sensory experience. Then, see Jalan Besar through an utterly new lens and get ready to visit Singapore as you’ve never done before.

Episode 3: Kew Organics

Featuring Lily Kew, Founder of Kew Organics

Having battled with acne problems from her teenage years into adulthood, Kew Organics founder Lily Kew witnessed how organic skincare helped transform her skin, propelling her to launch the brand. Since then, Kew Organics has cemented itself as the first in Singapore to offer fully organic, result-oriented bespoke facials and body treatments.

Founded in 2014, the Kew Organics Facial Bar began in the cosy environment of Everton Park, offering a comprehensive menu of bespoke organic face and body treatments. The second outlet was launched at Clarke Quay Central in 2016. In the same year, Kew Organics’ skincare line was unveiled, becoming the authority of clean beauty.

With over 15 years of experience in the beauty industry and several highly lauded beauty & wellness qualifications under her belt, Kew Organics’ founder, Lily Kew, harnessed the power of organic skincare to bestow clean and healthy skin to men and women, the au naturel way.

In this episode, listen in as Lily shares what rejuvenating things Kew Organics offers and what travellers can try out when they make a trip to Singapore on the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL). Sometimes a treat is something sweet to eat, and sometimes it’s booking an appointment for a facial because you know you deserve it! Finding the proper skincare routine isn’t easy, but that doesn’t mean it’s not rewarding when you find out what works for you. If you’re looking to try something new for your routine, Kew Organics has some stuff lined up and ready!

Episode 4: Splat & Spin Paint House

Featuring Andrea Lim, Founder of Splat Paint House and Spin Paint House

Splat Paint House is a space dedicated to mess, expression, and play. A regular session entails suiting up in protective coveralls, grabbing a canvas, paint and discovering art in a way most never imagined. Think flinging paint, spray bottles, even water guns. On the other hand, Spin Paint House is a new studio for people to experience a mesmerising form of painting - Spin Art. The tables in the studio were designed to spin using only one’s energy instead of flipping the switch. Months were spent prototyping the tables that allow easy spinning to high RPMs and a wheel for kids and adults who want to play with paint.

Andrea Lim started Splat Paint House as a way for Singaporeans to discover art in a playful way not commonly encountered in a society geared towards achievement and conformity. Since its creation, it has created many happy moments, from countless birthdays, celebrations and even a few proposals being held at the studio.

In this episode, tune in as Andrea shares about how Splat Paint House (and consequently, Spin Paint House) were brought to life in Singapore and what this new form of art jamming is here to offer. Of course, there’s no right or wrong way to splatter or spin paint, so make sure you book an appointment for it when you visit the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL)!

Episode 5: Baju by Oniatta

Featuring Oniatta Effendi, Founder of Baju by Oniatta

Baju by Oniatta is a clothing line dedicated to reimaging batik for the modern wardrobe. Behind each piece of batik, there is a story - a labour of love, artistry to wax and dye. Baju by Oniatta invites you to experience this by meeting the cloth. They work closely with artisans from different parts of Indonesia and Malaysia. Oniatta herself has formed friendships with these people and is happy to be a part of an ecosystem that directly supports and honours a craft of tradition and heritage.

The brand specialises in ‘batik tulis’ and ‘batik tjap’ (hand-drawn and hand-stamped) from the various batik capitals of Indonesia. They advocate for the preservation of batik by incorporating education on the crafting processes and the significance of motifs through their pieces. They also offer personalised consultations in creating tailor-made pieces for special events and ceremonies.

In this episode, Oniatta will be sharing more about the batiks of Baju by Oniatta as well as Galeri Tokokita, the space that the brand is housed in. Aside from that, hear about the inspiration behind the collections, and some new releases coming your way that you can dress yourself up in when you visit on the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL).

Episode 6: Design Orchard

Julynn Tay, General Manager at Design Orchard, TaFF

Operated by Textile and Fashion Federation (TaFF) Singapore, Design Orchard features a selection of Singapore’s emerging and established homegrown designers and cultivates them to grow internationally. Design Orchard is a multi-agency project spearheaded by Enterprise Singapore, JTC and Singapore Tourism Board (STB) to develop new and emerging local talents in the fashion and lifestyle sectors. Located at the junction of Cairnhill and Orchard Road, Design Orchard brings together the largest variety of local brands and designers, offering them wider reach and collaboration opportunities while further nurturing and profiling homegrown design talent.

In this episode, Julynn shares what Design Orchard is really about and how they have been working to elevate Singaporean brands into the limelight and make the shopping experience even better for their customers. A shopping trip in Singapore isn’t complete without a visit to the shopping paradise of Orchard Road, and there’s no place better to discover homegrown brands and its stories than at Design Orchard. So remember to pin down the location when you visit the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL)!

Episode 7: Museum of Ice Cream

Pirakash T, Head of APAC, Museum of Ice Cream

The Museum of Ice Cream transforms ideas into experiences that provoke the imagination. The Museum is designed to be a culturally inclusive environment and community. Its U.S. flagship outlet is located in New York, providing the culturally-rich Broadway area and visitors a place for human connection and creativity. In August 2021, it officially opened its first international location at 100 Loewen Road, in the heart of Singapore’s historic Dempsey enclave.

Pirakash T. currently heads Museum of Ice Cream (MOIC) Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore. He drives MOIC’s strategy and long term growth across Asia Pacific, and oversees the team’s operations, marketing, business development and partnerships. In 2021, he led the launch of MOIC’s first-ever location outside of the United States. His love for ice cream is only matched by his enthusiasm in searching for the best Singaporean hokkien mee on the island.

In this episode, Pirakash shares the best part about working at the Museum of Ice Cream and how your experience there has a Singapore twist to it. It’s a child’s dream come to life, with a Sprinkle Pool and a Unicorn Playground and endless ice cream all around. So if it wasn’t on your travel plans before, this might be just the push you needed to hop on that Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) flight!

Episode 8: Bollywood Farms

Featuring Ivy Singh-Lim, Co-owner of Bollywood Farm

Set in the rustic environment of the northwest Kranji Countryside, Bollywood Farms continues to provide an excellent opportunity to see a fresh side of the island, rejuvenate your senses, connect with family and friends, and enjoy simple pleasures of real food. The beautiful grounds of this 10-acre farm is a sanctuary, showcasing a myriad of fruit trees, herbs, spices, flora and fauna, particular to Southeast Asia. Poison Ivy Bistro is a casual eatery that showcases a predominantly local menu featuring fresh produce from the surrounding Kranji farms and employs challenged Singaporeans.

Bollywood Farms embarks on new initiatives to revitalise the countryside with a Heritage Trail, Fruit Tree Walks, and more activities with a new team from the Kranji Countryside Association. Additionally, co-founder Mrs. Ivy Singh-Lim has plans to replicate the spirit of Bollywood Farms and the circle of life throughout Southeast Asia. After all, “every country needs a countryside”, and it is imperative that people digitally detox and connect with the natural world.

Episode 9: Re:Qi Wellness Retreat

Featuring Summer Song, Creator and Organizer of Re:Qi Wellness Retreat

Re:Qi Retreat offers a mindful space for busy city dwellers to step away from the frantic pace of life to reconnect with your whole self and become more aware of your surroundings. Their approach is rooted in the Eastern wisdom traditions, with programmes that feature a wide array of awe-inspiring experiences encompassing multiple disciplines including wellness, art, culture and heritage - bridging Asian healing traditions like TCM and Yang Sheng, with modern wellness techniques - like psychology and coaching.

Episode 10: Gardens by the Bay

Featuring Ziana Yacob, Horticulturist of Gardens by the Bay

An integral part of Singapore’s “City in Nature” vision, Gardens by the Bay is a national garden and premier horticultural attraction that showcases the best garden and floral artistry for all to enjoy. Spanning 101 hectares in the heart of Singapore’s downtown Marina Bay, it comprises three waterfront gardens – Bay South, Bay East, and Bay Central. Bay South, the largest at 54 hectares, officially opened on 29 June 2012.

Guided by the vision to be a world of gardens for all to own, enjoy and cherish, the Gardens’ extensive plant collection, ever-changing floral displays, and a myriad of engaging programmes have captured the imagination of many, while its Gift of Gardens community initiative, with President of the Republic of Singapore Madam Halimah Yacob as a Patron, reaches out to people from all walks of life.

Since its opening, Gardens by the Bay has welcomed more than 50 million visitors and garnered numerous international awards, including Best Attraction Experience in the Singapore Tourism Awards 2019 and ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Award presented by ASEAN Tourism in 2018. The Gardens continues to refresh and refine its offerings, to be a place that everyone can enjoy – a garden where wonder blooms.